What is ophthalmology? Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that specializes in the anatomy, function, and diseases of the eye.
Who is an ophthalmologist?
- • An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and surgeon who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and the detection and prevention of eye disease. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats refractive, medical, and surgical problems related to eye diseases and disorders.
- • Ophthalmologists are licensed by state regulatory boards to practice medicine and surgery, as well as deliver routine eye care.
- • An ophthalmologist will have the initials "M.S." (Masters of Surgery) or "D.O." (Diploma of Ophthalmology) after his or her name.
What does an ophthalmologist do?
- • Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.
- • Ophthalmologists treat eye diseases, prescribe medications, and perform all types of surgery to improve, or prevent the worsening of, eye and vision-related conditions.
- • Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes of, and cures for, eye diseases and vision problems.
How is an ophthalmologist educated and trained?
- • In addition to four and half years of medical school and one year of internship, all ophthalmologists spend a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology.
- • During residency, ophthalmologists receive specialized training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.
- • Often, an ophthalmologist spends an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty, or a specific area of eye care, such as Refractive, Glaucoma, Retina or Pediatric Ophthalmology.
- • All ophthalmologists are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to stay current regarding the latest standards of care.
What is optometry?
Optometry is a vision care specialty that is concerned with the health of the eyes, the visual system, and related structures.
Who is an optometrist?
- • An optometrist is a health care professional who specializes in function and disorders of the eye, detection of eye disease, and some types of eye disease management. An optometrist conducts eye examinations, prescribes corrective contact lenses and glasses, and diagnoses and treats eye diseases and disorders.
- • Optometrists are licensed by state regulatory boards that determine their scope of practice, which may vary from state to state.
- • An optometrist will have the initials "O.D." (Doctor of Optometry) after his or her name.
What does an optometrist do?
- • Optometrists are trained to examine the eyes for visual defects, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide certain types of treatment.
- • Many optometrists are also involved in scientific research into the causes of, and cures for, a range of vision problems.
How is an optometrist educated and trained?
- • Prior to admittance into Optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor's degree.
- • Optometrists then complete a two to four-year postgraduate program in Optometry school to earn the Doctor of Optometry degree.
- • Few optometrists go on to complete one- to two-year residencies with training in a specific sub-specialty area, such as Vision Therapy, Pediatric or Geriatric eye care, specialty contact lens, ocular disease, or neuro-optometry.
- • All optometrists are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to stay current regarding the latest standards of care.
An Ocularist is a professional who specializes in the fabrication and fitting of ocular prostheses for people who have lost an eye or eyes due to trauma or illness. The fabrication process for a custom made eye typically includes taking an impression of the eye socket, shaping a plastic shell, painting the iris and then fitting the ocular prostheses.
In addition to creating the prosthetic eye, they show the patient how to care for and handle the prosthesis. Ocularists may develop their skills from various background disciplines, for example medical, optometry, dental, nursing, biology, medical arts and illustration.
An optician is a business professional who is trained to supply, prepare, and dispense optical appliances through interpretation of written prescriptions. An optician fits and finishes eyeglass lenses and frames and may also dispense low vision devices, contact lenses, and artificial eyes.
Opticians typically learn job skills through formal on-the-job programs. This training includes technical instruction in measuring eyes or adjusting frames under the supervision of an experienced optician.